Husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty
What this section does
Punishes a husband or any relative of the husband who subjects a woman to cruelty. The term 'cruelty' is defined in section 86 and covers both physical/mental harm and harassment for unlawful demands.
AI-generated plain-language summary. For the binding statutory text, see India Code (official).
Quick reference
- Punishment
- Imprisonment for a term which may extend to 3 years, and fine.
- Triable by
- Magistrate of First Class
- Cognizable
- Yes
- Bailable
- No
- Compoundable
- No
Ingredients (what prosecution must prove)
- The accused is the husband or a relative of the husband of the woman
- The accused subjected the woman to cruelty as defined in section 86
Practitioner note
The definition of 'cruelty' for this section is provided exclusively in section 86. Relatives of the husband are equally liable alongside the husband himself.
- IPC Section 498A — Cruelty by husband or relatives
Read the official text
For the binding statutory text of BNS Section 85, refer to the Gazette of India or the India Code official website.
Why this matters
BNS Section 85 forms part of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita which replaced the Indian Penal Code 1860 on 1 July 2024. Any new filing, FIR, charge sheet, or bail application made on or after that date should cite the new section number. References to the old act in legacy documents remain valid for matters that arose before the changeover.